FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5658

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

C 376 L 11

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning the sale or exchange of surplus real property by the department of transportation.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators King, Haugen and Shin).

Senate Committee on Transportation

House Committee on Transportation

Background: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has the authority to identify property that is no longer needed for transportation purposes as surplus. Once property has been identified as surplus, WSDOT may dispose of the land for no less than fair market value through one of the following processes:

  1. through a call for bids as part of the construction or maintenance of a highway;.

  2. at public auction to the highest bidder;

  3. through a licensed real estate broker; or

  4. direct sale to any of the following entities:

    1. any other state agency;

    2. a city, county or Indian tribe if the land is located within their boundaries;

    3. any other municipal corporation;

    4. Sound Transit;

    5. the former owner;

    6. a tenant that has resided there for six or more months;

    7. an abutting property owner;

    8. to anyone for transportation purposes;

    9. nonprofit organizations for low-income housing; and

    10. a federally qualified community health center until June 30, 2012.

Summary: WSDOT may only remove property from an auction for a person or organization listed in a. through i. above if the requestor can provide the lesser of 10 percent of the fair market value or $5,000. If the requestor is unable to complete the sale within 60 days, the requestor loses the down payment and the property is put back up for sale.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate

45

0

House

93

0

(House amended)

Senate

47

0

(Senate concurred)

Effective:

July 22, 2011.

June 30, 2012 (Section 2).